NAPRI begins annual hatching exercise
The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) of Ahmadu Bello University has commenced its annual hatching exercise, targeting about 25,000 chicks. The initiative is aimed at bridging the poultry deficit and encouraging increased production among farmers. The exercise began on March 31, 2026, with over 3,000 grandparent stock (GPS) chicks already produced. The chicks, comprising […]
The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) of Ahmadu Bello University has commenced its annual hatching exercise, targeting about 25,000 chicks.
The initiative is aimed at bridging the poultry deficit and encouraging increased production among farmers.
The exercise began on March 31, 2026, with over 3,000 grandparent stock (GPS) chicks already produced.
The chicks, comprising Shikabrown GPS and broiler foundation stock, are intended to serve as replacement stock for existing flocks.
The 25,000 target represents a significant increase from last year’s 17,000, reflecting the institute’s commitment to scaling up productivity and meeting national demand.
NAPRI said its objective is to support hatcheries nationwide by supplying high-quality parent stock (PS) layers and Shikabrown pullet commercial layers for both large- and small-scale poultry farmers.
Inspecting the chicks at the institute’s poultry brooding unit in Shika, Zaria, the Acting Executive Director, Prof. Muhammad Rabiu Hassan, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
He commended the support of the Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Idi Maiha, and the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed.
Hassan also praised staff for their efforts and urged them to intensify work to meet the set target.
Speaking further, the Head of the Poultry Research Programme, Dr Idris Abdullahi, said the institute had achieved improvements in the physical characteristics of its GPS stock through rigorous annual selection and sorting.
He said the advancement had translated into improved quality and performance of NAPRI’s commercial layers.
Abdullahi reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to enhancing the livestock sector through sustained research and innovation.